Panama Earthquake (October 9, 2026)

Panama Earthquake occurred on October 9, 2026 at 12:56 local time (17:56 GMT) off the southern coast of Panama, along its Pacific coastline. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 8, then revised it to 7.6, and later updated it to 7.7. The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama (Instituto de Geociencias de la Universidad de Panamá) determined the magnitude to be 7.2. The epicenter was located near Pitaloza Arriba and recorded at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers.

Following the main shock, a second earthquake of magnitude 6.6 and numerous aftershocks occurred. The earthquake was felt throughout Panama, including in the capital Panama City, several Central American countries, and numerous cities in Colombia.

^{Panama Depremi, 9 Ekim 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The earthquake caused damage to homes, public buildings, churches, hospitals, schools, bridges, and roads, particularly in the provinces of Coclé, Los Santos, Herrera and Veraguas. Initial official reports did not record any fatalities or missing persons; however, it was reported that 15 students sustained minor injuries at a school in Penonomé, Coclé province. Tsunami warnings were issued for numerous countries along the Pacific coast following the earthquake, but these were later lifted.^【1】

The USGS initially reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 8, then revised it to 7.6, and later to 7.7. Panamanian authorities and the Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama reported the magnitude as 7.2. The initial damage report from Panama’s National Civil Protection System (Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil, SINAPROC) and the National Emergency Operations Center data also listed the magnitude as 7.5.

The earthquake occurred at 12:56 local time (17:56 GMT). According to USGS data, the epicenter is located approximately 12 kilometers west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, on Panama’s Pacific side. It was also reported that the epicenter lies about 10 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, a remote settlement in Herrera province. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers. USGS reports indicate the epicenter is 12 kilometers from the settlement of Tonosí in southern Panama and approximately 239 kilometers from the capital, Panama City.^【2】

The Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama, however, located the epicenter approximately 39 kilometers from Tonosí in Los Santos province.

According to USGS data, after the main shock, another earthquake of magnitude 6.6 occurred in Panama at a depth of 10 kilometers, north-northwest of Rio Grande.

This 6.6 magnitude shock, along with a 5.8 magnitude shock recorded near El Cacao, is among the strongest aftershocks. Other recorded aftershocks include magnitudes of 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2. According to an official report issued at 13:22 local time, an aftershock of magnitude 5.5 occurred at a depth of less than 30 kilometers with an epicenter at Bajo Corral. Another aftershock of magnitude 5.2 occurred at shallow depth at 13:37.

^{Panama Depremi, 9 Ekim 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Aftershocks continued through the evening and night of October 9. Aftershocks of magnitude 5.1 at 21:43, 4.1 off the coast of Coiba at 21:55, 4.4 southwest of Tonosí at 22:11, 4.9 south of Soná at 22:26, and 6.3 at 23:15 were recorded. Panama’s Fire Department (Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de la República de Panamá) preliminary report listed one aftershock with a magnitude between 4.1 and 4.5.^【3】

Director of Panama’s Emergency Operations Center (Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia, COE), René García, announced that by late evening on October 9, the number of aftershocks had reached 147, some of which measured 6.1 or 6.6 in magnitude.^【4】

The earthquake shook buildings in the capital Panama City and was also felt in neighboring Colombia. The tremor was felt in several Central American countries and numerous cities in Colombia. In Colombia, many residents in Bogotá, Medellín, Pereira, Sabaneta, Cartagena, Armenia and the Urabá region reported feeling the tremor via social media.^【5】

United States Tsunami Warning System issued its first alert after the earthquake, indicating that “dangerous tsunami waves” could occur along the coasts of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Ecuador. The system stated that tsunami waves between one and three meters could strike certain coasts of Panama, while Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru might experience lower-intensity waves. The system also warned that dangerous waves could reach the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico within the next three hours, and issued a tsunami threat specifically for the Pacific coasts of Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.^【6】

El Salvador Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) warned the public of a tsunami threat. The ministry stated, “The earliest possible arrival time of a potential tsunami at Salvadoran coasts is Friday at 14:37 (20:37 GMT)” and urged the public to follow official updates. The El Salvador government later canceled the alert, with the Ministry of Environment declaring that no threat conditions existed for Salvadoran coasts.^【7】

^{Panama Depremi, 9 Ekim 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Chile Navy Hydrography and Oceanography Service (SHOA) issued a tsunami threat for Easter Island (Rapa Nui), located approximately 3,700 kilometers west of the mainland, and declared a precautionary alert. Authorities indicated that the potential impact would reach the island around 22:41 Chilean time (01:41 GMT). The precautionary alert required people to move at least 80 meters away from the shoreline. Only an informational alert was issued for other regions of Chile.^【8】

Colombia maritime authorities and the National Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) announced that no tsunami threat existed for Colombia’s Pacific coast and requested the public to follow only institutional sources.^【9】

The United States National Weather Service lifted tsunami warnings issued for the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala in subsequent hours. Warnings issued by El Salvador and Chile for Easter Island were also canceled. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) announced that the widespread tsunami threat had ended. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System deactivated its tsunami alert for Panama’s coasts.^【10】

Director of the Institute of Geosciences of the University of Panama, Néstor Luque, stated that waves between one and three meters were expected around Isla Cañas and along the southern coast of Los Santos province, with no larger waves anticipated beyond this. Luque noted that seawater had reached homes near the shore on Isla Cañas. The Institute of Geosciences requested residents near the coast in Isla Cañas, southern Los Santos, and Veraguas to evacuate their homes due to the expected one- to three-meter waves. Authorities urged residents in coastal settlements of Isla Cañas, southern Los Santos, and Veraguas to move inland to higher elevations and avoid being near the sea.^【11】

SINAPROC reported an increase in wave height around Isla Cañas and implemented preventive monitoring. Approximately 300 people were evacuated from Isla Cañas due to rising sea levels. Emergency teams also monitored sea conditions around the Las Perlas Archipelago.^【12】

President José Raúl Mulino announced on the evening of October 9 that authorities had not yet identified any fatalities, but cautioned that this could change in the coming hours or days.

The Social Security Institute (Caja de Seguro Social, CSS) also reported no injuries in the initial hours. Later, Government Minister Dinoska Montalvo confirmed that 15 students sustained minor injuries at the Alberto Zúñiga School in Penonomé.

SINAPROC General Director Omar Smith reported various injuries, including one person struck by debris falling from a partially collapsed building in Penonomé.^【13】

According to the National Emergency Operations Center’s report as of 20:00, 17 people sustained minor injuries in Coclé, 6 in Los Santos, 1 in Herrera, and 2 children in Panamá Oeste.^【14】

Government Minister Dinoska Montalvo announced that no missing persons had been reported nationwide and that search and rescue operations were ongoing. Montalvo and SINAPROC Deputy Director Malitzie Rivera confirmed that security and emergency agencies had been deployed across the country to respond to reported incidents.

SINAPROC rescued two people, one in the district of Soná in Veraguas province and another in Coclé province. One person was rescued from the Aguadulce municipal market complex in Coclé. In Soná, a child trapped under debris was found by their mother.

COE Director René García stated that authorities were waiting for aftershocks to subside before beginning structural assessments of damaged buildings: “We are waiting for the situation to return somewhat to normal regarding possible aftershocks, after which we will begin structural evaluations.” García noted that the main damage had been reported in Coclé province and that damage had also been observed in the capital, Panama City.^【15】

Penonomé, located approximately 150 kilometers from the capital and 110 kilometers from the epicenter, was among the most affected cities. The bell tower of the San Juan Bautista Cathedral collapsed. SINAPROC General Director Omar Smith confirmed partial collapse and cracks in the cathedral located in the town’s main square, as well as damage to the governor’s office and the Dos Continentes Hotel. The Dos Continentes Hotel partially collapsed, but no injuries were reported inside. Government Minister Montalvo confirmed no fatalities occurred in the collapsed hotel. Vehicles were crushed beneath the fallen hotel, a statue base collapsed, and a building partially collapsed in the city.^【16】

In Coclé, commercial building facades were damaged, and damage occurred in churches and roads. Damage was observed in walls, roofs, and architectural elements of religious structures and commercial establishments in Penonomé. Preventive evacuations were carried out in hospitals, and roof components fell at the Penonomé Fire Station.^【17】

According to the National Emergency Operations Center’s preliminary assessment, in Coclé, 50 homes, two severely damaged hotels, two slightly damaged hospitals, two schools, two churches, and four government buildings were affected. A pedestrian bridge in Penonomé also sustained damage.^【18】

SINAPROC reported that homes collapsed in Los Santos, religious and official buildings were damaged, road networks were affected, and structural damage occurred at fire and National Police stations. Tonosí and Pedasí hospitals sustained minor damage. The colonial-style Catholic church, San Atanasio Church, declared a National Historical Heritage site in 1938, was reported to have collapsed.^【19】

Health Minister Boyd stated that road access to the town of Tonosí in Los Santos province was completely cut off, adding, “Since land access is impossible, we are exploring how to reach the area by air.”^【20】

According to the National Emergency Operations Center’s preliminary assessment, in Los Santos, 14 homes and five hotels sustained partial damage, six people sustained minor injuries, four hospitals sustained partial damage, 22 educational institutions, two churches, and 18 government buildings were affected. Damage occurred on three road segments and four bridges, and two fire stations and four National Police facilities were impacted.^【21】

Cracks were detected in buildings in Herrera and Los Santos provinces. The Chitré Cathedral sustained minor damage, while other buildings showed cracks and displaced tiles. According to the National Emergency Operations Center’s preliminary assessment, in Herrera, 30 homes sustained partial damage, two homes were completely damaged, one person sustained minor injuries, two hospitals sustained partial damage, 48 educational institutions and three churches were affected. A landslide occurred on the Chitré–Las Minas road, cutting off access to a settlement.^【22】

Large fissures formed along roads in various regions, including Veraguas province. The majority of the Soná Fire Station collapsed, with emergency vehicles and a Zodiac-type boat trapped under debris. Cracks and floor damage also occurred at the fire station in Santiago. Damage to roads, especially in rural areas with limited access, hindered emergency response. Significant damage and breakages occurred on the road leading to the settlement of Torio in Mariato district. Damage also occurred on Mariato’s main road, prompting local residents to request government assistance. It was reported that seven churches in Veraguas were affected.^【23】

According to the National Emergency Operations Center’s preliminary assessment, in Veraguas, 18 homes sustained partial or complete damage, eight health centers sustained minor or partial damage, and 35 educational institutions, primarily in Mariato and Soná, were affected. Damage was recorded in three churches, three government buildings, three road segments, and three bridges. Access to the areas of Arena, Cacao and Quebro was severed due to road collapses.^【24】

Chiriquí province experienced minor damage to homes, commercial establishments, and educational institutions. Affected schools included Victoriano Lorenzo, Instituto Profesional Técnico Chiriquí Oriente, Cuervito, El María, San Vicente, Los Planes, Paso Canoas Internacional, Antonio Anguizola, La Guinea, Bilingüe Doleguita, and Las Lajas de San Félix. Cracks were detected at the central fire station in David. According to the National Emergency Operations Center’s preliminary assessment, in Chiriquí, 15 homes sustained partial damage, one home was completely damaged; one health center, 20 educational institutions, three churches, and one road segment were affected. One water reservoir collapsed and a water treatment plant developed cracks.^【25】

Darién province experienced minor damage to the infrastructure of the Zapayal Education Center. In Colón province, partial damage occurred in one standalone home, damage was recorded in eight historic houses (caserón), partial damage occurred at the San Juan Hospital, and damage occurred at the Municipal Market. A road and a bridge in Miguel de la Borda were also damaged. No structural damage was reported at fire stations in Colón, and no issues were reported at emergency facilities in Bocas del Toro, Panamá Este, and Bugaba.^【26】

Panamá province experienced minor damage to the infrastructure of four apartment buildings (propiedad horizontal, PH), preventive evacuations were carried out in hospitals and health centers, and damage occurred to commercial establishments and homes in the Las Perlas Archipelago. Authorities did not disclose how many units in the apartment buildings were affected. In Panama City, one vehicle sustained damage from falling debris, and rescue teams were seen passing in front of a damaged building in the city.

Panamá Oeste province was affected by damage to three homes, partial damage to two health centers, and one government building, with two children sustaining injuries. Cracks and floor damage occurred at the La Chorrera Fire Station, and wall cracks were reported at the Veracruz Fire Station.^【27】

Damage also occurred at a hotel in Playa Venao due to the earthquake.^【28】

The Panama Fire Department reported damage at numerous stations, including those in La Chorrera, David, Herrera, Coclé, Los Santos, and Veraguas. The majority of the Soná Station in Veraguas collapsed, with emergency vehicles and a Zodiac-type boat trapped under debris. SINAPROC’s initial report listed six fire stations with detailed damage: Soná, Santiago, Penonomé, David, La Chorrera and Veracruz.^【29】

The Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación, MEDUCA) provided a preliminary report on affected educational institutions, primarily in Chiriquí. The ministry initially reported seven affected institutions, while SINAPROC’s list included 11 schools in Chiriquí. The Zapayal Education Center in Darién was also added. Due to discrepancies between the announced total and the list of identified schools, a definitive number could not be established, and inspections of school facilities continued.

SINAPROC later announced that 65 schools were affected in the Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous region (comarca) and Chiriquí province. The Ministry of Education reported damage in 188 educational institutions nationwide.^【30】

The National Water and Sewerage Authority (Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales, IDAAN) reported damage to water treatment facilities across the country. The Federico Guardia Conte water treatment plant in Chilibre operated at 70 percent of its capacity at the time of the official report. This reduction affected water supply to some areas of Panama and San Miguelito. IDAAN later announced that the Chilibre facility had resumed operations at 100 percent capacity.

Electricity distribution company Naturgy stated: “We inform our customers that due to the severe earthquake recorded in Panama, power outages are occurring in some areas of Azuero, Atalaya, and southern Veraguas, including Puerto Armuelles in Chiriquí.” The electricity transmission company ETESA confirmed that the transmission grid remained stable and national transmission services continued uninterrupted. Some areas of the capital, Panama City, experienced electricity and communication outages, followed by infrastructure inspections.^【31】

Located in Panama City, the Tocumen International Airport, which served over 20 million passengers in 2025 and is one of the region’s busiest airports, temporarily suspended operations after the initial earthquake.

After approximately two hours of suspension, the airport reopened to air traffic following completion of infrastructure and control tower safety inspections, with flights resuming gradually. The Civil Aviation Authority (Autoridad Aeronáutica Civil) reported that flights were affected due to the suspension. Heavy passenger traffic was observed at the airport during the evening.^【32】

The Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport in Barranquilla, northern Colombia, accepted flights redirected from Panama City due to the earthquake.^【33】

Panama City’s public transit system suspended service on its two metro lines and evacuated passengers from several stations. Panama Metro temporarily suspended service on Lines 1 and 2. It was announced that metro service would remain suspended for the remainder of the night, with operations resuming on Saturday, October 10, contingent upon inspection results and confirmation of safe operating conditions. The bus operator MiBus activated its emergency transportation protocol in Panama City. High-rise buildings in the capital were evacuated.

Heavy vehicle traffic occurred in Panama City, and authorities conducted inspections of the Centenario Bridge. State Comptroller Anel Flores confirmed that the Las Américas and Centenario bridges were open and operating normally. The highway operator ENA announced a free passage policy on highway corridors.^【34】

Panama Canal Authority announced that operations along the global trade route continued normally. The Authority stated that its priority was the safety of workers, ships, and crews, and that expert technical teams were inspecting facilities for possible damage. Canal Authority President Ilya Marotta stated that the Canal “continues normal operations” and posted on X: “Emergency protocols are in effect and inspections continue. Safety remains our top priority.”^【35】

President José Raúl Mulino, in a statement on his social media account, urged the public to remain calm. Mulino emphasized that relevant institutions were continuing to inform the public about the earthquake’s effects and stressed that the earthquake must not be used to incite panic, fear, or chaos. Mulino requested that the government announce the earthquake and its effects “by calling for calm” and stated, “What is happening must not be used to create alarm and disorder.” Mulino instructed the Government Minister to provide information on the earthquake’s effects. Mulino requested that relevant agencies, including SINAPROC, prepare reports on the earthquake’s impact and urged the public not to use the events to spread disinformation, disorder, or unfounded alarms.^【36】

Mulino, accompanied by Government Minister Montalvo, visited Penonomé and central provinces, stating: “I am in Penonomé; I am visiting the affected areas with Minister Montalvo to rapidly coordinate aid and solutions for those impacted by the earthquake in our country.”^【37】

During his visit to Penonomé, Mulino noted that some roads had completely collapsed, saying, “The disaster we face is immense. We have roads that have completely collapsed. For now, we are here; we will assess, and hopefully weather conditions allow us to reach Tonosí, the epicenter of the earthquake.”

Drawing attention to the rain, Mulino noted: “The entire Panamanian government stands in solidarity on the ground. All necessary items are being distributed: water, supplies for children and the elderly, and tents to house people. I have ordered all official institutions in the public sector to close. The Ministry of Education has suspended classes in all schools nationwide. We know that hospitals, churches, and one school have been seriously affected. Let’s see; we hope everything turns out well.”^【38】

Following his early call for calm, Mulino stated, “No one was prepared, and no one is ever prepared for a disaster of this kind.” Mulino thanked all friendly governments in Latin America for their messages of support on social media, saying, “Thank you to all friendly governments for your solidarity. On behalf of all Panamanians, I express my deep gratitude.” Mulino stated that he had spoken with leaders, including the presidents of Chile, Uruguay, and Guatemala.^【39】

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on social media: “I am closely monitoring reports of the earthquake off the southern coast of Panama. The United States stands with the people of Panama.” Rubio stated, “The State Department is rapidly mobilizing resources and personnel to provide assistance at the request of the Panamanian government,” and reminded U.S. citizens that consular assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

U.S. Southern Command announced it would provide support via a long-range helicopter to deliver humanitarian aid to the Azuero region. The U.S. Embassy in Panama reported that its personnel and visiting U.S. citizens had been assessed and potential damage evaluated, and urged U.S. citizens to follow official channels for updates.^【40】

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella offered “the necessary assistance” to Panama and posted on social media: “Panama is not alone! You can count on Colombia’s support and our full readiness to provide any required aid.” De la Espriella expressed “all solidarity and affection” to the Panamanian people and government during their difficult moments due to the severe earthquake, stating, “Colombia stands with the Panamanian nation in this hardship. History, brotherhood, and especially bonds of friendship strengthened in difficult times unite us.”^【41】

Barranquilla Mayor Alejandro Char posted on social media: “We send a fraternal embrace and all our solidarity to our Panamanian brothers during these difficult times.” Chocó Department Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba stated that all municipalities along Colombia’s Pacific coast, the only region bordering Panama, “have so far suffered no damage,” adding, “I have contacted the mayors, and none of the border municipalities reported any humanitarian or material impact. There is also no impact elsewhere in the department.”^【42】

Peru Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on social media: “The Government of Peru expresses its solidarity with the people and government of the Republic of Panama following the severe earthquake that occurred today in our sister country. Peru offers heartfelt wishes for the swift recovery of those affected and the impacted regions.” Uruguay Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that President Yamandú Orsi spoke with Mulino and conveyed Uruguay’s readiness to assist in the emergency.^【43】

Guatemala President Bernardo Arévalo posted on social media: “I spoke with President @JoseRaulMulino to express my solidarity and closeness in the face of the severe earthquake in Panama. Guatemala is ready to provide any support needed.” Arévalo noted that Guatemala’s Embassy in Panama confirmed that Guatemalan citizens in Panama were “safe.”^【44】

Venezuela Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, Costa Rica President Laura Fernández Delgado, Ecuador President Daniel Noboa, and the government of Peru also offered assistance. Venezuela’s Interim President sent a message of solidarity with Panama. The Turkish Embassy in Panama expressed solidarity with the people of Panama following the earthquake on October 9. The Inter-American Development Bank (CAF) made a donation and made available 50 million dollars for emergency response.^【45】